Read the information on children’s fears and answer the questions that follow.

Children’s Fears

To many parents, children's fears make no sense at all. Nevertheless, to children, monsters lurking in the dark or scary noises coming from the attic are quite real. Around your child's second birthday, he or she may become frightened by things that did not cause fear before.

Fear of Separation

Toddlers' anxiety about separation is an indication of growth. Before your toddler turned 2, he or she forgot you after you left, and settled down quickly. Now your child worries about and puzzles over your departure.

Always tell your child that you are leaving. Sneaking out decreases trust. It may help to get your child absorbed in an activity before you leave. An elaborate ritual of waving bye-bye and blowing good-bye kisses also may help. Preschoolers are more self-assured than toddlers, but occasionally experience fears about being separated from a parent when starting a new school or child care arrangement, staying overnight with a relative, or moving to a new home. Ease into new situations gradually. Visiting the new school several times before the first day, or staying with your child for the first day or two can make a big difference.

Fear of Baths

Many young children worry about going down the drain with the water. No amount of logical talk will change this. Avoid letting the water drain out while your child is still in the tub or even in the bathroom. If your child seems fearful of water, you might try letting him or her play first with a pan of water, then in the sink, and finally over the edge of the tub (don't leave a child alone in the bathroom).

Fear of Dogs

Dogs are often loud, fast moving, and unpredictable. Many children fear them. Respect your child's fear of strange dogs; a child's instincts may be right. If you wish to introduce your child to a friendly dog, first try sharing pictures of the dog with your child. Next watch the dog from a distance, and finally approach the dog together. You may want to demonstrate how to pet the dog, but don't force your child to pet the dog, too. If he or she refuses, you can try again later.

Fear of the Dark

Parents often sheepishly admit that their child sleeps with a night light (or the room light) on. Children can sleep with lights on without damaging their health. Many children sleep with a night light well into the school-age years. Fear of the dark is usually one of the last childhood fears to be conquered. Younger children fear monsters and snakes that lurk in the bed­room shadows. Older children may fear burglars and thieves. It is not at all uncommon for children who are 10 and 11 to still use a night light. It is important not to rush your child.

Nightmares and Night Terrors

One out of every four children between the ages of 3 and 8 experiences either night terrors or nightmares.Both of these situations can be unnerving, but are generally short-lived. A child who experiences night terrors is not aware of any scary thoughts or dreams and is usually able to go back to sleep quickly. In the morning, the child usually doesn't remember waking at all. Night terrors may occur for several years. Generally they go away with time and are not an indication of any underlying emotional problems.Parents can help by remaining calm. Hold your child close and talk in a soft, soothing voice. Comfort and reassure your child. If possible, stay close by until he or she falls asleep.

Fear of Strangers

Children form close bonds of love and trust with important people in their lives, particularly their parents or their main caregiver. Many babies develop a fear of strangers, generally sometime between 5 and 12 months of age, and this often lasts until they are up to two years old. They may even seem afraid of people they know fairly well, such as their grandparents. Not all babies are fearful of strangers, but most are for a while. They are more likely to be afraid if they have had little contact with people outside their immediate family.

School-age Children Have Fears Too

During the school-age years, imaginary monsters disappear, but other fears begin to surface. School-age children often have to deal with bullies, the fear of rejection or embarrassment, and sometimes the reality of being home alone after school. School-agers also are aware of TV and news events that showcase murder, drug abuse, kidnappings, and burglaries.

About one-third of school-age children experience fears that re-occur. Often these children develop strategies that help them cope. One common strategy children use is to turn the TV on when they arrive home so they don't hear scary noises. Other strategies include hiding under beds or in closets, turning all the lights on in the house, and using the phone for comfort and companionship.

Questions

 

1) Why do children have fears?

2) When do fears usually disappear?

3) Which fears are stronger and more dangerous for children’s health?

4) What pedagogical actions can prevent fears progress?

5) What pedagogical actions cause fears progress?

6) Do teenagers have any fears? Why?

7) Do grown-ups have fears? What are they?

8) What are the curative and destructive functions of TV? Which function is most manifested?

9) Why are older children more reluctant to share their feelings?

10) Is it possible for a person not to have any fears?

11) What are the pros and cons of fears?

12) Is a fear the beginning of human weakness or inner strength?